This Sunday we'll be going to the library. Okay, not physically but we'll be exploring why our local library has so much to teach us about outreach, acceptance, availability and hospitality. I'll be sharing the message with our own Robbin Price, a librarian. I can already hear the questions. Why would we, a church, focus our attention on a library? So, here's your assignment. Spend one hour this week, preferably after 3:00pm but any time will work; just one hour at the library and see who comes in, how they're treated, what they do, where they go, and even what they explore. What you'll find is that our local libraries are one of the most accurate cross sections of our neighborhood. And by neighborhood I mean the one or two mile radius around us. You'll also find that this is a gathering place of eclectic needs. Some are looking for a relaxing place to rest. Others are looking to improve their skills so that they can move beyond living on the street or in their cars. You'll find youth doing research, families spending time together, adults sitting comfortably as they read. In addition, you'll find that everyone gets along. There is a peace in this place that is tangible. If you don't have an hour, just come to worship and hear the words of one who really knows. To prepare...well, just go to the library. If you want to read the scripture for this Sunday it is II Timothy 3:14 - 4:2.

Ministry News

Emergency Shelter Update

Sophia Way recently confirmed that Holy Cross was selected to host the women from January-March because they are closer to transit. We look forward to hosting the emergency shelter, if needed, in the future. We thank Colleen Olleman, Janice Zahn, Robbin Price, and all the others who worked so hard researching, planning and advocating for this project. And we appreciate the positive and supportive response expressed at the Common Table discussion from the church community.

All Saints' Sunday

November 6

On Sunday, November 6 at both services we will remember and honor all the people we have loved and released to God through death in the hope of new life. We invite you who have lost loved ones since last All Saints' Sunday (November 1, 2015) to fill out the Sunday attendance form with your loved one's name and relationship to you. These names will be spoken, a candle lit for each one, and we will give thanks for them and pray for all of us as we continue to work through our grief and seek renewed confidence and peace in the promises of Christ Jesus.

Music Director Needed

We seek a music director to lead our choir and other musical activities with a welcoming, enthusiastic spirit. The music director leads the Chancel Choir in one service and one evening rehearsal each week, September through mid-June. Depending on interest and qualifications of applicants, AUMC may also assign to the music director the responsibility for leading the bell choir, which rehearses once per week and presents music in one service per month (in place of the choir). The level of effort for the music director position is 12 to 14 hours per week, not including the bell choir, and 14 to 17 hours including the bell choir. CLICK HERE for more information. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to office@aldersgate-church.org, or to 14230 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, WA 98006. The position is open as of September 18, 2016, and applications will be accepted until October 9 (this date may be extended).

Membership Rolls

It is time to update the church membership rolls. Every year Betty Fredeen, our Membership Secretary, reviews the church membership and mails out letters to members who, according to our records, have not attended Aldersgate or contributed in the last two years. The purpose of the letter is not to push people away but to let them know we are interested in them, to see if they want to remain members, and to keep our membership records current. We need your help. The members listed below did not respond to our letter or the letter was returned by the U.S. Postal Service. They will be removed in the near future if we do not hear from them. If you know them, please encourage them to reply to the letter or contact the church office. If you have any information about them, (current contact information, did they moved away, are they attending another church, etc.), please notify Betty Fredeen (425-746-5113) or the church office.

In this one evening workshop we will cover specific risk and protective factors and things we can do as parents, schools, churches, and communities to significantly influence our children in making good or even great choices, followed by a time for questions. The workshop speaker is Brad Beeman who currently serves as Pastor at Aldersgate UMC. His background also includes working with and studying at risk children and youth. He has served on a White House task force that focused on Parenting as Prevention, and on a Washington DC task force pertaining to the international drug abuse and drug violence. Beeman has spent years traveling the country talking about keeping our children safe and he is excited to start the conversation here in our Bellevue neighborhood.

Church Work Party

October 22

Please join us for a church work part on Saturday October 22 from 8:30am-12:00pm. We will work outside on the landscaping raking, weeding, pruning, etc. Aldersgate has a large, beautiful property which takes many volunteers to maintain. So please come when you can Saturday morning and lend a hand. Bring your garden gloves and favorite garden tools. Wheelbarrows are always helpful. If you can come, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or email the
church office.

Fun Events

Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)

October 9

This fellowship group for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade meets once a month. It starts with dinner at 5:00pm, followed by games, crafts and other fun activities from 6:00-7:30pm.

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)

Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:300pm. All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have any questions about the youth program, contact Pastor Brad or
Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:

*Oct. 9 - 2nd Sunday Dinner at 5:00pm and Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm

*Oct. 16 - Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm

*Oct. 23 - Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm

*Oct. 28 - Fall Festival, 6:00-9:00pm

*Oct. 30 - NO Youth Group

*Nov. 4-6 - Sr. High Retreat at Fort Flagler. Let Jen know if you are interested. For more information, CLICK HERE.

*Nov 18-20 - Jr. High Retreat at Camp Indianola. Let Jen know if you are interested. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Fall Festival

October 28, 6:00-9:00pm

Come join the fun! The night will be filled with carnival games, chili & hot dog dinner, costume parade and more! You will not want to miss this evening of fun and fellowship! We need lots of help to make the Fall Festival a success. Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact
Jen Hoerber if you can help with food, games, setup and cleanup.

Meaningful Movies on Eastside

October 18, 6:30pm

St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

Join neighbors and friends to screen THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TO AVOID EXTINCTION. Author and theologian Michael Dowd will be present to lead the discussion following the film concerning the convergence of Theology and Ecology. Michael Dowd is a minister, author and eco-theologian who is known as an advocate of Big History, naturalism, sustainability, climate activism and the epic of evolution. In the film, you will hear his revised take on the Ten Commandments that reflects the reality of today.

Meaningful Movies/Eastside is sponsored by Holy Cross Lutheran, St. Margaret's Episcopal, East Shore Unitarian and Aldersgate United Methodist with the idea of bringing community members together to view films about the issues of our day in a safe listening environment. We have a brief talk-back sharing reflections. All opinions are welcome.

Coffee/tea and snacks are included. A $5/person donation is suggested, but no one is turned away. All are welcome! RSVP is helpful for planning refreshments, but if you don't RSVP, come anyway!

The Interfaith Build with Habitat for Humanity continues. There are three more opportunities to help with the build on Saturday, October 8, Thursday, October 13 and Saturday, October 15. Sign up on the back of Sunday's attendance form if you want to participate or contact Darrell Lowe, 425-746-9612.

If you are not able to build, you can still help the cause by making a donation that will be used to purchase building materials. Make your check out to Aldersgate and write "Habitat for Humanity" in the memo field. We are already making great progress toward our goal of $7,000 and we thank you for your generosity.

Church Rummage Sale

The Aldersgate Rummage Sale will soon be here! If you have items to donate to the rummage sale, please drop them off on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday. We need many volunteers to make the Rummage Sale a success so please sign up to help on Sunday's attendance form or contact
Linda Detering . Volunteers are needed for the following:

As part of the Salvation Army's Crossroad Dinner program, Aldersgate volunteers provide and serve food on the fourth Tuesday of the month. At the September meal we fed 48 people and gave away all the food we brought including 140 pieces of chicken and three salads. Thank you to all who donated food and helped serve. Know that your contribution was much appreciated by all those feed. If you want an uplifting experience, volunteer to help serve and meet hungry people who are very glad to receive a tasty, hot meal.

Sophia Way Benefit Luncheon

October 13

The annual benefit lunch for Sophia Way will be held on October 13 at the Red Lion Hotel in Bellevue. The lunch is completely paid for by the Red Lion so all donations will go directly to the program. If you would like to attend please respond to Jean Harris. Lunch choices are petit filet with prawns or vegan gluten free ravioli. For more information click here.

Vision House Volunteers Needed

Since 1990, Vision House has provided housing, support services and child care for homeless families with children. This Fall, they are in the process of expanding their services to families by transitioning into a tiered services model and beginning to offer more educational classes. They
are currently seeking volunteers to mentor residents (sit alongside them in class and assist with class practice activities) and volunteers to provide childcare during the following classes for our resident families: Housing Sustainability Class (Renton) on Monday evenings

Submit prayer requests to Dorothy Bennett, the Prayer Chain Coordinator, or fill out a pew prayer card or contact the church office. Prayer requests will stay on the Prayer Chain for about 3 weeks. Please contact Dorothy or the church office with an update if you want the request to be prayed for longer.

All prayer requests will appear in the church newsletters unless you specifically request otherwise.